All the descriptions which we see in ancient history of a soldier's life--descriptions which, in times of peace, appeared like romance--are now realised; military exploits fill every day's newspapers, every day's conversation.

A martial spirit is now essential to the liberty and the existence of our own country.

In the present state of things, the military must be the most honourable profession, because the most useful.

Every movement of an army is followed, wherever it goes, by the public hopes and fears.

Every officer must now feel, besides this sense of collective importance, a belief that his only dependence must be on his own merit and thus his ambition, his enthusiasm, are raised; and when once this noble ardour is kindled in the breast, it excites to exertion, and supports under endurance.